The VW Up! : A Fond Farewell
Today, we share some bittersweet news. The iconic Volkswagen Up!, a beloved companion on many roads for the past 12 years, has officially bid adieu to the United Kingdom.
As it gracefully exits the stage, we can't help but reflect on the remarkable journey it took, especially for young drivers seeking an affordable and reliable ride.
The end of an era for the iconic little VW city car
The Up leaves us, but not without a legacy
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here's the lowdown: while you might still find some Up models hanging out at dealerships in the UK, the factory in Bratislava, Slovakia, may have rolled out its final Up. The big news? You can't order a shiny new Up fresh off the factory floor in the UK anymore.
Now, let's take a trip down memory lane. The Volkswagen Up made its grand entrance in 2011, taking over from the Volkswagen Fox. Back then, it made quite a splash as one of the most pocket-friendly cars on the block, with a starting price tag of just over £8,000. For many young drivers, this little charmer was a game-changer, thanks to its low running costs and relatively cheap insurance rates.
Fast forward 12 years, and the starting price gradually crept above £15,000. But it's the journey that counts, right?
During its decade-plus run, the Up experimented with different powertrains. When it first graced the streets, you had choices like a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, serving up either 59 bhp or 74 bhp. Then, in 2016, it got a makeover, welcoming a turbocharged version that flexed its muscles with 89 bhp. Not bad for a compact ride, right?
Now, here's where the Up showed it was keeping up with the times. In 2014, it introduced the electric Volkswagen e-Up. It sported an 18.7 kWh battery and a range of around 93 miles – not too shabby. But it didn't stop there. In 2019, a beefier 32.2 kWh battery came into play, pushing the range to an impressive 161 miles. It even outshone some of its newer electric rivals like the Mini Electric and Honda E.
Remember the Volkswagen Up GTI? It was the fiery addition to the family in 2018, boasting 113 bhp, a sportier design, and a slick six-speed manual gearbox. But here's the twist: it took an early retirement in January this year. Initially, Volkswagen claimed it was due to overwhelming demand. Still, the GTI never made a comeback, leaving us to wonder what could have been.
The Up was more than just a car; it was part of Volkswagen Group's New Small Family (NSF) vehicle series. Alongside siblings like the Seat Mii (which stuck around until 2020) and the Skoda Citigo (holding its own until 2021), it was a compact, efficient, and affordable solution for urban driving.
Now that the Up has taken its final bow, the Volkswagen Polo steps into the spotlight as the smallest car in Volkswagen's UK lineup. But here's a twist: there's a hint of uncertainty in the air. The Polo might be on its way out too, thanks to upcoming Euro 7 regulations. Instead, it could make room for an electric offering – the ID 2. It's all up in the air, but it's something to watch out for.
A glimmer of hope
But wait, there's good news for Up fans! Volkswagen is planning to launch an ultra-compact electric city car known as the Volkswagen ID 1 in the next five years. With a starting price of less than £17,000, it aims to carry forward the Up's legacy of affordability and urban mobility while embracing the electric revolution.
As we wave goodbye to the VW Up in the UK, let's not forget the smiles it brought to the faces of young drivers. With its cheap running costs and low insurance rates, it was a trusty sidekick for many on their journeys. While the Up may have exited the stage, it leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of compact cars.
So here's to the Up! – a legend in its own right.